Article by Luminița Paul – published on Sunday, June 22, 2025 20:09 / Updated Sunday, June 22, 2025 20:09
French coach Patrick Mouratoglou (55 years old) commented on one of the confessions offered by Rafael Nadal (39 years old) on the occasion of his celebration in his honor at Roland Garros, that he learned more from victories than in defeats. “I don't think it's true,” Mouratoglou said.
Rafael Nadal, 22 times Grand Slam champion, of which in 14 lines at Roland Garros, put an end to his illustrious career in a rather abrupt way in November 2024. Then, Spain was defeated by the Netherlands of the first meeting of the Davis Cup Fines, and Rafa, defeated by Botic Van by Zandsch, had a little ceremony.
However, he received a recognition according to his career this year at Roland Garros, an emotional tribute extended over more than half an hour, attended by his great rivals, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
Rafael Nadal: “I learned much more from victories than defeats”
After the festivity, the Spaniard said in a conference held in Paris, among others, that the victories were more useful than the matches lost during his career. And explained why.
“I learned much more from victories than defeats, I always said this,” Nadal said. “Because I have always been self -critical enough with myself so my victories help me read all the things I have to improve”.
Rafael Nadal, after defeat with Botic van de Zandschulp, the last match of the photo career: Guliver/Gettyimages
Speaking on Instagram, on his channel, the current coach of Naomi Osaka, Patrick Mouratoglou, reacted after almost a month to this statement by Nadal.
“I believe exactly the opposite. It is not surprising to me that he has taken the defeats quite bad; It was quite obvious and I think so should be“said Mouratoglou.
“You should not accept to lose, this is one of the distinctive signs of the champions, to refuse to lose. Not to learn anything but it is a little sad and I don't think it is true“, He added.
“He may feel that he has not learned anything, but I do not think it is. On your way to success, there will be defeats. They tell you all the mistakes you made, and if you don't listen to them, I don't think you can progress“, The former coach of Simona Halep and Serena Williams pointed out.
Patrick Mouratoglou: “What he wants to say, probably …”
The Frenchman continued to explain what he thought he actually wanted to say. “What he wants to say, probably, is that victory brought him a lot of confidence, which he needed to perform,” Mouratoglou developed.
“That is why it is important to always have a great balance between victories and defeats and to have much more victories than defeats, because if it is the other way around, your confidence decreases, and then it is difficult to perform without confidence,” says French.
1.080of victories gathered Rafael Nadal in his professional career and only 228 defeats
Rafael Nadal / Photo source: Twitter@ Rafa Nadal Academy
“You have to build it and build it a lot, not only, but much more through victories. Probably that is why, but not to learn anything about defeats? I don't believe that“, It was the conclusion of Patrick Mouratoglou.
